The Best Folk Music Podcasts to Check Out
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In a sea of music podcasts, it can be hard to find the perfect show for your taste. If you’re a fan of folk music, check out our list of the best podcasts to add to your queue. From interviews with emerging artists to in-depth looks at the genre’s history, these shows have something for everyone.
Introducing the Best Folk Music Podcasts
In recent years, podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of media. They are convenient, portable and, best of all, you can usually find one to suit any interests you may have. If you love folk music, then there are definitely some great podcasts out there for you to check out. Here is a list of five of the best folk music podcasts currently available:
1) Folkadelphia Radio – This podcast features live recordings from the Folkadelphia radio show, which airs on WXPN in Philadelphia. The recordings feature both up-and-coming and established folk artists from around the world.
2) NPR Tiny Desk Concerts – As the name suggests, this podcast features live recordings of intimate concerts held at NPR’s Tiny Desk. The concerts feature a wide variety of music genres, but there is always a strong focus on folk and Americana performers.
3) The Midnight special – This weekly podcast features an eclectic mix of folk, rock, country and blues performers. if you’re looking for something a little different, then this is definitely the podcast for you.
4) The Folk Show with Rich Warren – This long-running podcast features live recordings from The Folk Show, which airs on WFMT in Chicago. You’ll hear everything from traditional folk songs to modern takes on the genre.
5) Acoustic Rainbow – This weekly podcast features two hours of uninterrupted acoustic music. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy some great folk tunes.
The Folk Alley Radio Hour
Folk Alley is a weekly podcast produced by WKSU, a public radio station in northeast Ohio. The show features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world, and is hosted by Elaine Mahon.
Each week, Folk Alley highlights a different artist in the folk music scene. Recent guests have included Celtic singer-songwriter Karan Casey, Americana duo The Secret Sisters, and British folk rockers Bellowhead.
In addition to featuring great music, Folk Alley also offers listener requests and interviews with guest artists. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just curious about the genre, Folk Alley is definitely worth checking out.
The Folk Sampler
The Folk Sampler is a podcast that features a wide variety of folk music from around the world. Each episode features a different artist or band, and the music is presented in a relaxed and informative style.
The hosts, Mando and Megan, are both accomplished musicians themselves, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to each show. If you’re looking for a podcast that will help you discover new and exciting folk music, then The Folk Sampler is definitely worth checking out.
Folk Roots Radio
Folk Roots Radio is a weekly radio show that celebrates the best in folk, roots, Americana and blues music. The show is hosted by Jan Hall, one of Canada’s premiere folk and roots music broadcasters. Folk Roots Radio airs every Saturday at noon on CIOE.FM 97.5 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and at 5pm EST on CIOL.CA Loon 100.3 FM in Newmarket, Ontario.
The Thistle & Shamrock
The Thistle & Shamrock is a long-running, award-winning Celtic music program that has been on the air since 1979. Hosted by Fiona Ritchie, the show features traditional and contemporary folk music from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond.
The Thistle & Shamrock is one of the most popular Celtic music podcasts, and for good reason. Ritchie does an excellent job of selecting a wide range of music, and her plummy Scottish accent is soothing to listen to. The show is also one of the few podcasts that’s updated weekly, so there’s always something new to check out.
If you’re looking for a Celtic music fix, The Thistle & Shamrock is definitely worth a listen.
A Prairie Home Companion
A Prairie Home Companion is a weekly radio variety show created and hosted by Garrison Keillor that aired from 1974 to 2016. In 2015, the show employed over 600 people and was syndicated to nearly 2,000 radio stations across the United States. The show was known for its musical guests, who ranged from folk musicians to alternative rock bands, and its satirical and often sentimental skits, which parody small-town life in rural America.
